Sunday’s biggest stories from Old Trafford.
Manchester United looking to beat Chelsea to AS Roma’s Mehdi Benatia
Following their shock opening day home defeat to Swansea City in the Premier League on Saturday, new manager Louis van Gaal is desperate to improve his defence.
A back three of Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and youngster Tyler Blackett failed to impress against the Swans and van Gaal has now turned to Roma’s Benatia, according to the Sunday Express.
It’s understood that a £24m bid has been tabled for the 27-year-old – who is also being targeted by the Blues – although his club are holding out for closer to £30m.
Real Madrid tell the Red Devils Angel di Maria is not for sale
Los Blancos head coach Carlo Ancelotti has told United that Argentine midfielder di Maria is not for sale.
It’s understood that both van Gaal and Paris Saint-Germain have shown great interest in the 26-year-old and have made bids of around £45m for his services.
“They [di Maria and Sami Khedira] are Real Madrid players. The transfer market is over and we won’t re-open it,” Ancelotti was quoted by the Daily Star.
Sporting Lisbon want a Nani loan deal to be included in the Marcos Rojo transfer
The Red Devils are also keeping tabs on this Argentina international in a bid to improve their currently shaky defence.
An offer of around £17m has already been rejected by Sporting for Rojo, who want their former player Nani to be included in the deal.
The Sunday Times reports that the high wages of the Portugal international make a full transfer unlikely, but a loan move is still possible.
David Moyes says following Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford was ‘impossible’
After just 10 months in charge Moyes was sacked as United boss before even completing a full season in the dugout.
Stepping into the shoes of Ferguson after more than 25 years of success at the Theatre of Dreams was something the Scot has now admitted was impossible.
“It was a step into the unknown and, looking back now, it was near enough the impossible job. In the end, I don’t feel I was given time to succeed or fail,” Moyes told the Daily Mail.
Van Gaal makes Anderson, Nani and Wilfried Zaha train alone
The Dutchman has already shown his famed ruthless streak by making the players he is looking to axe from the squad train alone.
The Mirror reports that the trio have also been excluded from team meetings and meals and their time at the club has essentially come to an end.
This is particularly disappointing for Zaha, who was hoping that with a new manager in charge he would finally get a chance in the first team.
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